Low Functioning Thyroid

Hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, means your thyroid doesn’t make enough hormones for your body’s needs. Low hormone levels can affect many body functions. This can happen for several reasons, including insufficient nutrients, radiation exposure, or an autoimmune disease called Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis Is More Common Than You May Think

Affecting approximately 10% of women over the age of 30, Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. Some studies put the incidence of Hashimoto’s at up to 5% of the overall population.

More About Hashimoto’s

Hashimoto’s is named after the Japanese doctor who discovered it in 1912. It’s an autoimmune disease, which means the immune system mistakenly targets the healthy thyroid as if it were a threat. These types of disorders can be especially challenging because their causes are often unclear and diagnosis can be difficult. In fact, as many as 60 percent of people with thyroid issues are unaware they have a problem.

At Risk Populations

Women

Some factors can increase your risk of developing Hashimoto’s. For example, women are five to eight times more likely to get the disease.

Previous Autoimmune Disease

Your risk is also highest in middle age. Having other autoimmune diseases like lupus, celiac disease, or rheumatoid arthritis can also increase your chances.

Gluten Intolerance

Some studies have connected Hashimoto’s to diets high in gluten. While gluten doesn’t directly cause Hashimoto’s, eating gluten seems to raise the risk of autoimmune diseases in general. Also, people with celiac disease are three times more likely to have thyroid problems.

Stress

Other studies suggest a connection between long-term stress and Hashimoto’s. This may be because stress affects how our immune system works.

The Symptoms of Hashimoto’s

The symptoms of Hashimoto’s usually develop slowly, so they often go unnoticed. As the thyroid becomes more damaged, many people feel increasingly tired. In fact, extreme tiredness is one of the most common problems with this disease. You may also experience a long list of frustrating symptoms, including:

Weight gain
Muscle aches
Thinning hair
Dry skin
Constipation
Fertility problems
Poor cold tolerance
Depression
Memory issues
Hoarseness
Low libido
Slow heart rate
A lump at the base of the throat, due to an enlarged thyroid

Many of the symptoms above are easy to blame on other health problems or just getting older. But the long-term effects of Hashimoto’s can seriously affect your quality of life. Over time, low thyroid hormone levels can also cause high cholesterol.  It’s important to get help if you think you have Hashimoto’s.

Hashimoto’s Diagnosis

Many physicians rely solely on the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) test to assess thyroid problems. However, thyroid conditions are complex, and this single test doesn’t always provide a complete picture. An elevated TSH may indicate that your body is compensating for a sluggish thyroid, but it doesn’t reveal the underlying cause. Similarly, a normal TSH result doesn’t rule out other thyroid issues. To get a comprehensive understanding of your thyroid health, additional and more specific tests are often necessary, since TSH only represents one aspect of your body’s overall function.

Managing Hashimoto’s

Treatment for Hashimoto’s typically involves thyroid hormone replacement therapy or supplements to restore normal hormone levels. However, finding the correct dosage to relieve symptoms can be challenging for many individuals. A holistic approach focuses on addressing the underlying autoimmune cause, supporting thyroid function, and using hormone supplements as necessary. This strategy often includes enhancing overall health and balancing other hormones to benefit the entire body.

Supplements for Hashimoto’s

Supplements that might help include:

B12
Zinc
Ashwagandha

Good habits can have a positive effect on Hashimoto’s, including

Reduce the amount of sugar that you eat (and drink)

This includes sugar substitutes, which have been directly linked to Hashimoto’s. Artificial sweeteners can lower the number of “good” bacteria in your gut, which can negatively impact your immune system.

Watch Your Gluten Intake

Gluten and autoimmunity are interconnected, so it is a good idea to reduce gluten intake. Quinoa and rice are both good replacements, as are gluten-free crackers made with flax seeds. Keep in mind that the goal is to add variety to the diet, so avoid replacing all gluten products with a highly processed corn-based version.

Focus on natural, high-fiber foods.

Because of the important link between gut health and immunity, keep your gut in top shape by consuming enough fiber to keep things moving.

Reduce stress

Yes, that’s easier said than done in today’s busy world! However, it’s also important to remember that looking after your own health (even if that means cutting back on your responsibilities) will ultimately make you better able to look after your loved ones and your other responsibilities. As the saying goes, you can’t pour from an empty cup, so taking care of yourself is step one in taking care of others.